NATURE REVEALS GOD (Job 26)

Years ago, in college and later in Seminary, I took classes in "systematic theology." So today I''m going to get on one of soap boxes. Tell me if you agree or disagree.

Theology (the Bible, really) tells us that God reveals Himself in three ways: in nature, in the word of God, and in the person of Jesus Christ.

Paul argues the importance of revelation through nature in the opening chapter of Romans. He is making the point that all people know God through nature, so they can't complain that they didn't have the Bible. . . .By taking a long and thoughtful look at what God has created, people have always been able to see what their eyes as such can't see: eternal power, for instance, and the mystery of his divine being. (Romans 1:18-23, MSG)

But most people, then and now, chose to ignore what can be seen of God through nature. Instead, in the words from KJV that resonate with me now as much as they did as a child, men "worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator." (Romans 1:25)

Paul spelled out "creature" earlier in the chapter--idols--but I think 21st century man has substituted a different "creature" for idols: science.

My basic take on the existence of God: even if you accept the theory of evolution (I don't), you reach a point where you ask "who started it?" Where did matter come from?

But modern man, especially "scientists" (as portrayed on television and in books), believe that if they can find an explanation for how things work, God is unnecessary. They fail to see the hand of the designer in his design.

Okay. That's my soapbox. What does this have to do with Job?

Job makes the same point about the revelation of God through nature--in his incredible, beautiful language.

He spreads out the northern skies over empty space;
he suspends the earth over nothing.
He wraps up the water in his clouds,
yet the clouds do not burst under their weight. (Job 26:7-8, NIV)

Astrophysicists and weather specialist can explain those things lately--and fail to see as clearly as Job did. (Not that I don't value what they have given us.)

And these are but the outer fringe of his works;
how faint the whisper we hear of him!
Who then can understand the thunder of his power?
(Job 26:14 NIV)

Hmm, I wrote a devotional on that thought in my newly released book, It Is Well with My Soul. . . listen to God's whisper now or be prepared to hear His thunder later!